Search
  • Videos
  • Enterprise Software
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • AI
  • Security
  • TR Premium
  • more
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Enterprise Software
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • AI
    • Security
    • TR Premium
    • 5G Guide
    • Build a Website
    • Hardware
    • Innovation
    • Best Smartphones
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • Web Hosting
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Best Android Smartphones (April 2013 edition)

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
  • Introduction

    Introduction

    Looking to replace your aging Android companion with something newer and with a little more oomph? Here are five excellent Android-powered smartphones from Google, Motorola, and Samsung.

    No matter whether you are looking for a consumer handset or something that will be suited to a BYOD role, you're bound to find something of interest here.

    The handsets are arranged in no particular order, but my current favorite is the Nexus 4. It's a powerful package that delivers what I believe to be the best, purest Android experience possible.

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: ZDNet

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Google Nexus 4

    Google Nexus 4

    The Nexus 4 is the smartphone that Google thinks Android should be loaded on.

    One of the downsides to the Nexus 4 is that it  doesn't come with LTE support, despite having a supporting integrated modem . According to LG, the manufacturer of the Nexus 4, the LTE modem requires a signal amplifier and filter to work, and these components have been omitted to keep the cost of the handset down.

    Despite this, the Nexus 4 is a solid, well-made Android handset.

    • Jelly Bean (Android 4.2)

    • 1.5 GHz quad-core Krait processor

    • 4.7-inch WXGA IPS display

    • 8MP rear camera

    • 1.3MP front camera

    • 8/16GB internal storage

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: Google

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Motorola Razr i

    Motorola Razr i

    Here we have a new entry from Motorola — the Razr i.

    Perhaps not the best — or best made — handset around, but the Razr i is nonetheless a decent, solid smartphone that won't break the bank.

    The DuPont Kevlar fibre and Corning Gorilla Glass construction gives it a good feel in the hand, and it comes with an SD-card slot for storage expansion, something that the Nexus 4 doesn't have.

    • Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), but Jelly Bean in inbound

    • 2GHz Intel Atom Z2460

    • 4.3-inch Super AMOLED 540x960 display

    • 8MP rear camera

    • VGA front camera

    • 8GB internal storage

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: Motorola

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Samsung Galaxy Note II

    Samsung Galaxy Note II

    The Samsung Galaxy Note II is the Android smartphone for those people with large hands to hold it with, and large pockets to keep it in.

    The Samsung Galaxy Note II really is a solid handset packed with an array of high-end features. It even comes with the S Pen that can be used to copy text, crop images, and to even share content.

    • Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)

    • 1.6 GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos processor

    • 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD display

    • 8MP rear camera

    • 1.9MP front camera

    • 16/32/64GB internal storage

    • MicroSD slot

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: Samsung

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD

    Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD

    The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD is Motorola's latest high-end smartphone, and it brings both a high-definition 4.7-inch display and a massive 3,300mAh battery, good enough for 32-hours of use.

    It's also tough, constructed form DuPont Kevlar fibre and Corning Gorilla Glass, and features water-repellent nanoparticles to shield against water, even on the internal circuit boards.

    The only downside to this handset is that it is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but an upgrade to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean should be available before the end of the year.

    • Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), but an update is on the way

    • Dual-core 1.5GHz processor

    • 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD Display, 720p (720x1280)

    • 8MP rear-facing camera

    • 1.3MP front-facing with 720p HD video capture

    • 1080p HD video capture

    • 32 GB internal storage

    • MicroSD card slot

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: Motorola

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Samsung Galaxy S3

    Samsung Galaxy S3

    Without a doubt, this is still the best Android smartphone available today — at least until the S4 is released. If you can wait, I suggest waiting, but if being at the bleeding edge doesn't matter, then the S3 is now a great buy.

    Not only is it packed with high-end features, such as an amazing 4.8-inch super AMOLED display and a really solid camera, but it also appeals to the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) crowd. The handset has a number of enterprise-friendly features,  including AuthenTec's QuickSec VPN client technology  that allows users to access corporate networks when out and about.

    • Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0)

    • 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait processor

    • 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display

    • 8MP rear camera

    • 1.9MP front camera

    • 16/32GB internal storage

    • MicroSD slot

    Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

    Photo by: Samsung

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 6 NEXT PREV
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • Introduction
  • Google Nexus 4
  • Motorola Razr i
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II
  • Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD
  • Samsung Galaxy S3

Time to take a tour of a handful of the best Android smartphones currently available on the market. Here are some killer handsets from Google, Motorola, and Samsung.

Read More Read Less

Introduction

Looking to replace your aging Android companion with something newer and with a little more oomph? Here are five excellent Android-powered smartphones from Google, Motorola, and Samsung.

No matter whether you are looking for a consumer handset or something that will be suited to a BYOD role, you're bound to find something of interest here.

The handsets are arranged in no particular order, but my current favorite is the Nexus 4. It's a powerful package that delivers what I believe to be the best, purest Android experience possible.

Published: April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 6 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | April 8, 2013 -- 13:48 GMT (06:48 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • UAG straps for Samsung Galaxy Watch models: Nylon and leather stylish options

    Samsung's line of Galaxy Watches support quick release band options and the excellent case maker, UAG, just released three strap options for several models. ...

  • Tech21 Studio Colour case and screen protector for Pixel 4: Thin protection for Google's small phone

    The Google Pixel 4 is the latest small flagship that boasts one of the best cameras on a phone. Tech21 has a few products available to help protect your investment. ...

  • Totallee thin cases for the Pixel 4 and iPhone 11 Pro: Attractive minimalist cases protect from scratches

    It seems just about everyone uses a case on their phone today, but sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the bulk, Totallee makes some of the thinnest minimalist cases today and ...

  • UAG Civilian series for Apple iPhone 11 Pro: Stylish drop protection for your expensive smartphone

    UAG has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, but this season launched its new Civilian series. The iPhone 11 Pro case is attractive while offering solid drop protection ...

  • These 7 top wireless earbuds deliver scarily superb sound

    Happy Podoween! All the major Bluetooth earbuds from your favorite manufacturers - including the new AirPod Pro -- have been updated for Fall 2019.

  • Nomad Rugged Case for Google Pixel 4: Elegant Horween leather with 6 foot drop protection

    The Google Pixel 4 is a small, powerful Android smartphone and with Nomad's new Rugged Case you can wrap it in TPU and leather. Over time the leather will patina and develop some custom ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums